It’s perfectly acceptable to want to look dapper on race day, so for those heading to the Melbourne Cup this year, I’ve compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid, and provided my top tips to look sharp and sophisticated this Spring Racing Season.
Preparation is key
While most men skip any sort of preparation, rinsing your face with a pre-shave soap and warm water is an essential step to ensure you get the best shave. The rinse removes excess oil and dead skin cells while opening up pores and softening hairs allowing for a close, smooth shave. I recommend shaving two nights before an event, so your shave is fresh and clean, and there is no chance of irritation on the day.
Stick to what you know
It’s important to use a shaver that you know works for your skin. And choose a style that suits you – race day is not the time to experiment with your faical hair. I recommend electric shavers for the budding barber at home and have found the Philips Beardtrimmer Series 9000 works best for most people. It is the only beard trimmer with a laser guide so results are precise and symmetrical. It also has an LED display which shows the length setting so you’re always in control of your style.
Take time for your neck
When you are shaving areas like your neck, take a little bit more time. Tilt your head back and pull the lower part of your neck down to stretch the skin so the blade glides smoothly. This will help prevent any cuts or irritation and give you a consistent shave. The Philips OneBlade is a great tool to perfect the shave between your beard and neck as it can trim, edge and shave any length of hair.
Post-shave
As with preparation, the post-shave is often a rushed or skipped step but often has a significant impact on your results. Following your shave, rinse your face and neck with cold water to close your pores and clean any loose hairs. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, then use a sensitive or hypoallergenic moisturiser to replenish lost moisture. Shaving can be quite harsh on your skin, so it’s important to rehydrate your skin to avoid a shaving rash.
Careful with cologne
One of the biggest mistakes a man can make is overdoing it with their aftershave. A small spray of cologne on either side of your neck is more than enough and will last throughout the day. Too much cologne will not only keep people at a distance, but can also irritate and damage your skin.
See more at the Philips website.